I try to be as positive as I can be about life in general but when it comes to being a photographer and owning a photography business I’m not always so positive. It very well could be because the cold months are typically known as slow season to photographers. And since I don’t have a studio it is definitely more slow. I feel like if I had a studio it wouldn’t be as bad. I currently don’t even have extra space to do a shoot that takes up a smaller space such as a newborn session.

What REALLY gets me down and I can say is the number 1 reason I feel like I shouldn’t be a photographer anymore is when I see so many of my Facebook “friends” having their pictures done by someone else. I don’t expect all of my Facebook “friends” to hire me. I realize there are so many photographers and “photographers” out there these days to choose from. People will say, “oh, don’t take it personal”. But I do…unfortunately. I know it is part of the business. I want you to KNOW that this is NOT a feel sorry for me blog post. It is far from it. It is just how I feel and I finally have gotten the nerve to write about it.

Something else that goes along with all of this and feeling like I should just quit is I don’t seem to get much feedback on my blog posts. Is anyone even reading these? Does anyone even care? Why do I ask those questions? Well simply because there is nearly no interaction from my Facebook fans. And not only my blog posts but since I have been doing the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways on both of my photography pages, there has not been a whole lot of activity. I seriously have asked myself several times, “Why am I even putting forth all of this effort for nothing?” I just don’t get it! I am giving away free digital images and discounted sessions! I am already fairly cheap so getting a discount makes it even better! But still…very little interest is shown.

Another reason I want to quit sometimes is because people can’t seem to “afford” me. I have done my research and I am one of the lowest charging photographers in the area! Honestly if you want to go any cheaper than you are going to get what you pay for and you know that saying, “You get what you pay for”, well it’s true with photography just like anything else.

I know that I am not the best photographer out there. But I also know I am not the worst photographer out there either. I look at some photographers work and I feel like I am not even close to their level of skill. It does take years of learning and practicing to be REALLY good, I get that. You don’t just decide to become a photographer one day and be top notch at it.

I don’t think I am over reacting because I have been doing this since 2014 and it will be 2018. I really just don’t get it. I wish somebody had answers…

If you are photographer and feel the same ways let me know your struggles? Am I crazy? Let me know what you think and feel free to share. If you are a photography client(of any photographer) let me know what you think, also feel free to share.

I’d like to grow my readership. Can you help me out by sharing this blog post?

You are not alone Kirsten! I'm a filmmaker/photographer and I go through the same issue from time to time. I know how it feels when your friends hire others instead of you. It's just a part of the game, unfortunately; since there is an abundance of source out there. Most independent creative people struggle to earn a full-time income by doing what they love, but hang in there -- hard work always pays off!

Reply

Kirsten

1/15/2018 09:48:59 am

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I just never thought when I started that I could feel the way I do about certain scenarios.